Necklaces
1940s American Vintage Necklaces
1940s Mexican Vintage Necklaces
Brass
1940s American Retro Vintage Necklaces
Gilt Metal, Sterling Silver
1940s American Retro Vintage Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1940s American Vintage Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1940s American Vintage Necklaces
1940s American Retro Vintage Necklaces
18k Gold
1940s American Vintage Necklaces
Sterling Silver
1940s American Vintage Necklaces
Citrine, 14k Gold
1940s Mexican Vintage Necklaces
Topaz, Sterling Silver
1940s French Retro Vintage Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
1940s American Vintage Necklaces
1940s American Vintage Necklaces
1940s American Vintage Necklaces
Center mo...
1940s American Vintage Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1940s American Vintage Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1940s French Retro Vintage Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
1940s American Vintage Necklaces
Diamond, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s American Vintage Necklaces
Gilt Metal
18th Century and Earlier European Contemporary Antique Necklaces
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
1940s Retro Vintage Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
1940s American Retro Vintage Necklaces
Gold-filled
15th Century and Earlier European Classical Greek Antique Necklaces
Silver, Sterling Silver
1940s American Retro Vintage Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1940s Unknown Vintage Necklaces
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold
1940s Unknown Retro Vintage Necklaces
Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s American Vintage Necklaces
Silver
15th Century and Earlier American Contemporary Antique Necklaces
Garnet, Bronze, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s Unknown Vintage Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Late 17th Century Unknown Art Deco Antique Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
18th Century Georgian Antique Necklaces
Ruby
Late 18th Century Portuguese George III Antique Necklaces
Sterling Silver
1940s Retro Vintage Necklaces
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold
1940s American Vintage Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1940s French Vintage Necklaces
Excel...
1940s American Vintage Necklaces
Gold Plate
Shop Antique, New and Vintage Necklaces on 1stDibs
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage necklaces designed by David Webb — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.
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This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making
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Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels
After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.